Restored stained-glass returns to First Congregational

Friday

Aug 30, 2013 at 12:01 AMAug 30, 2013 at 6:39 AM

The Rev. Tim Ahrens likens the reinstallation of a massive stained-glass window at his Downtown church to "watching 95 cocoons open up into butterflies." "One by one, they're opening up," he said, referring to the 95 panels of the Jeffrey Window, which depicts scenes from the life of Jesus, above the altar at First Congregational Church, United Church of Christ.

JoAnne Viviano, The Columbus Dispatch

The Rev. Tim Ahrens likens the reinstallation of a massive stained-glass window at his Downtown church to “watching 95 cocoons open up into butterflies.”

“One by one, they’re opening up,” he said, referring to the 95 panels of the Jeffrey Window, which depicts scenes from the life of Jesus, above the altar at First Congregational Church, United Church of Christ.

The original window was installed in 1931, a gift from the congregation to commemorate the involvement of the Jeffrey family, said building manager Tom Luff. He said the window was designed and built by Nicola D’Ascenzo’s studio in Philadelphia.

Ahrens said he crafted an August sermon series around the reinstallation after asking congregants to reflect and share with him what Jesus means to them. More than 65 people responded.

“The absence of the window, the absence of those stories that are before us all the time, really made us reflect in that darkness what that light means, and in this case the light of the world,” he said. “So it’s been very powerful to see the window coming back.”

The window was removed in December, crated and shipped to Willet Hauser Architectural Glass in Winona, Minn., Luff said. Workers rebuilt and restored it and started the reinstallation process this month. It is expected to be completed by the end of September.

A rededication service is set for Sept. 29.

Luff said the effects of gravity led to buckling, wavy glass and loose pieces, plus fractures were found in some masonry sections. Along with the restoration, a storm window will be installed to protect the glass and lower energy costs.

Ahrens said the Jeffrey family had donated $250,000 to build the current church at 444 E. Broad St., which was completed in 1931. Joseph Jeffrey was an industrialist who formed Jeffrey Manufacturing Co. His wife, Celia, was instrumental in opening the Gladden Community House, named after the Rev. Washington Gladden, who pastored the congregation from 1882 to 1913.

Ahrens expects descendants of both the Jeffreys and Gladden to attend the rededication.

The congregation must continue to be stewards of the church, which has served as an interfaith gathering place for the community, Ahrens said.

The window project cost more than $200,000, he said. Funds are coming from special collections, a capital campaign and a Jeffrey family donation through a Jeffrey trust.

“That’s a huge investment to stay in the heart of the city,” Ahrens said. “To me it speaks to our love of beauty because it is absolutely a spectacular window, and it’s a commitment to be here in the heart of the city doing the ministry that we do.”